Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
NEWLY-crowned Miss Eco Teen Zimbabwe 2025, Mongile Moyo, has launched a community pageant titled Miss Cowdray Park to empower young women in her neighbourhood. The 21-year-old, who only began modelling last year, aims to use the platform to nurture confidence, leadership, creativity and social responsibility among local girls.
Moyo said the initiative was inspired by the lack of opportunities and representation she witnessed growing up.
“As Miss Eco Teen Zimbabwe 2025 and a proud daughter of Cowdray Park, I’ve witnessed the lack of opportunities and recognition for young girls in my community. Many have potential but don’t have platforms to express it. That inspired me to create Miss Cowdray Park, a space where girls can be celebrated for their talent, confidence, intelligence, and service to others,” she said.
She added that the pageant is also an opportunity to challenge and transform the narrative surrounding Cowdray Park.
“For a long time, Cowdray Park has been seen as an underdeveloped area, but I want to rewrite that narrative. Through this pageant, I want to showcase the creativity, strength, and leadership that lives here. Every contestant will represent the beauty and brilliance of our community, proving that leaders can be born right here,” she said.
Unlike traditional pageants, which focus primarily on glamour, Miss Cowdray Park has a strong developmental focus. Participants will take part in workshops and mentorship programmes on leadership, confidence-building and community service. They will also spearhead projects tackling key local issues.
“Miss Cowdray Park goes beyond the crown. We’re introducing workshops and mentorship on leadership, confidence building and community service. Contestants will learn to express themselves, take initiative and create projects that uplift others,” Moyo said.
Contestants will work on campaigns that address drug and substance abuse, climate change awareness and youth development — issues Moyo said are critical to shaping responsible, empowered young citizens.
The broader goal, she said, is to create long-term impact.
“I hope this initiative plants a seed of belief and pride in the hearts of young girls — that they are capable, seen and valuable. I want to build a chain reaction of empowerment where each girl inspires another. Over time, I hope Cowdray Park becomes known not for its struggles, but for the leaders, innovators, and change-makers it produces.”
Auditions for Miss Cowdray Park will be held on November 22 at Prestige High School. Moyo called on young women in the community to seize the opportunity.
“This is your moment — a chance to rise, be seen and shine with confidence. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; sometimes, we have to create them ourselves,” she said.
She also appealed to sponsors, community leaders and volunteers for support. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
